iStockphoto/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) -- IHOP has declared its own special pancake day, and customers who visit the restaurant Tuesday get a free stack of buttermilk pancakes. In exchange, customers are asked to make a donation to Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.

National Pancake Day is traditionally celebrated on Shrove Tuesday, also known as Fat Tuesday. In theory, it would give people one last indulgence before they abstain for Lent.